European Council President António Costa said on Tuesday that Europe’s citizens expect a clear signal from the ongoing NATO summit in Ankara that the alliance remains the key foundation of defense and deterrence on the continent, Anadolu reports.

“What European citizens expect from this summit in Ankara is a clear message that we can continue to rely on NATO for our own defense, as well as deterrence based on very strong transatlantic relations,” Costa said in Ankara alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Costa noted that Europe is taking on increasing responsibility for its own security while remaining committed to cooperation within the alliance.

“Our member states, as you point out, are fulfilling their commitments, and Europe is taking greater responsibility for its own defense, and now we need to continue along this path,” he said.